By Melissa Lockwood, DPM,
Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates, P.C.
An at-home pedicure can be a good way to stretch those post-holiday dollars, since feet are still bundled up in warm shoes and socks, and sandal season is several months away. When you are NOT having a professional perform this needed task, there are a few things to remember so you don’t end up at a podiatrist’s office fixing painful mistakes!
- First and foremost, trim any excess nails straight across. NO DIGGING IN THE SIDES. This will almost certainly cause an ingrown toenail, so be extremely careful to avoid trimming down those sides.
- Always, ALWAYS use clean sterile instruments! I have heard too many stories about people using all sorts of tools (wire cutters, gentlemen?) that can have bacteria and fungus ON them. Use alcohol swabs to start, and soak and clean any instrument after each use (and between people). Don’t use the same clippers on your husband without cleaning them first!
- Make sure you file the edges regularly between scheduled professional pedicures. This can reduce the need for actual trimming, and can also be very helpful with thicker nails that might cause pressure in your shoes.
- Leave the cuticle and callous trimming to the professionals! Cuticles (at the base of your nail bed) provide watertight protection to your nails, and if not trimmed correctly, can cause serious infections. Buff callouses with a foot file, but do not shave them. Any cuts can lead to a very painful infection.
- Pay attention to the polish you use. Some of the scary stuff in some nail polish — which may account for the strong smell — includes: formaldehyde, a chemical that has been proven to cause cancer; DBP, a potential developmental and reproductive toxin that has been linked to birth defects, and is banned in Europe; and toluene, a chemical the EPA restricts in our drinking water. I like Dr. Remedy’s all natural nail polish, because it is not only safe, but will actually help your nails look better than ever. This brand, which is only available in a doctor’s office, contains none of the above-mentioned chemicals, so they are a great choice for pregnant women and children. They also contain natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial ingredients to prevent infections (especially fungal — yuk!); vitamins and wheat protein to promote stronger nails, and naturally increase shine; and tea tree oil to keep nails fully hydrated.
For more information, or to have Dr. Lockwood help with a holiday pedicure mishap, please contact Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates at 309-661-9975, or www.heartlandfootandankle.com.
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